Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Mon 16 March 2026 11:31, UK

West Ham United‘s 1-1 draw with Man City has increased their chances of survival.

Nuno Espirito Santo appeared to be on the verge of the sack at West Ham, not long before leading them to the current vein of form that has them within touching distance of safety.

It’s been an impressive turnaround for the Hammers, who have gone from having a 55.52 per cent chance of relegation after their win over Fulham to a 46.57 per cent chance after their draw against Man City, as per Opta.

The Irons are still predicted to finish 18th in the Premier League, but are also forecasted to finish just one point behind Nottingham Forest and three behind Tottenham.

West Ham are still in the bottom three with eight games to go, but things are starting to look more and more promising.

West Ham’s survival chances hinge on one thing

Since January, the Hammers have showcased the quality they have, which is more than enough to stay in the Premier League.

However, their lack of form at the start of the season has counterbalanced that, but it should still give them plenty of hope.

And even more optimism should be raised from the fact that they still have five games left to play at the London Stadium, which is where they have found most of their success recently.

Since the turn of the year, the Hammers have only lost one game at home in all competitions, with six points picked up.

Providing they can maintain that run from now until the end of the season, it would see them pick up another five points at an absolute bare minimum.

If they can secure even one win on their travels and maintain their current unbeaten home run, then West Ham will be a Premier League club next season.

Premier League predicament could impact FA Cup ambitions

While it hasn’t been the league campaign that everyone had hoped for, the Hammers remain in the FA Cup and could find themselves in the semi-finals with a win over Leeds.

However, with both sides still threatened by relegation, it will be interesting to see how they approach the game, which may be seen as a distraction to some.

With Crysencio Summerville out injured, and arguably the Irons’ key to survival, Nuno may well look to rotate his team for that FA Cup clash to prevent the risk of any further injuries.

Upon the conclusion of the FA Cup tie with the Whites, there will be just seven games left in the Premier League for West Ham to secure their status in the top flight.